Dead Drop (The Guild #2)(41)
I mulled it over a few more minutes while driving toward the nearest city, Dogwood. It seemed… too convenient. But if it were a setup, then why drag it out for the better part of a decade?
“And they’ve always sent tips about Project Remus?” I asked, still trying to make sense of it. “What sort of tips exactly?”
Kai blew out a heavy breath. “I hope you understand the level of trust I’m placing in you, kaikohuru iti.”
I braked a little too sharply at the traffic lights and shot him a suspicious glare. “Why are you trusting me? And don’t even try to blame it on my magical vagina. A few good fucks doesn’t override your common sense that thoroughly.”
Ha, what a lie.
He stared back at me, a tiny smile playing across his lips. “The tips led us to research labs and to the orphanages themselves.” Apparently, he decided not to answer my question. Maybe it was my magical vagina after all.
“How do you know those orphanages were Guild-run? Or even that the children were being mistreated? They could have just been ordinary group homes that someone smoke screened to support this Project Remus idea.” I had a fair idea, but I wanted him to explain why he had such confidence in this mysterious and awfully convenient intel they were being fed.
Kai grunted a sound of frustration. “If you want all the dirty details of this project we’ve worked on for ten years, Siren, you’ll have to come back to the island with me and analyze the data for yourself. Is that something you want to do? I’d be happy to share everything we know, if you do.”
Fuck no. No way in hell was he luring me back into that trap, because I didn’t believe for even a second he’d given up on his desire to hold me captive. I didn’t care how hot it was in the short term, I was no one’s prisoner.
When I didn’t respond, he gave a low chuckle that confirmed my suspicions.
“Where are we going, anyway?” he asked, changing the subject.
I flicked a quick look over at him as I drove us further into Dogwood, seeking out a bar that I’d visited a handful of times in the past. The parking lot was full of motorcycles despite it not even being midday yet, and I took that as a good sign.
“We’re getting a drink, Kai. Is that a problem?” I double parked, not really giving a shit who I’d blocked in, and gave him a challenging glance. “You can wait here if you want.”
Unsurprisingly, he got out when I did, then watched me curiously as I started stripping off my weapons. “We’re getting a drink at a biker bar in the middle of the day… unarmed?”
I smiled. “Yup. You coming?”
He gave a shrug and tossed his own gun back into the car with my pile of weapons. “Here’s hoping.”
Biting back my laugh, I locked the car and tucked the keys into my pocket before leading the way into the dirty bar. The front door swung open with a bang when I pushed it, and I barely made it three steps inside before the hum of conversation dried up.
“Well, if this doesn’t feel clichéd, I dunno what would,” I muttered, peering around the room. It was packed with rough, tattooed, leather-jacketed men and just a couple of women. All of them staring at me like I’d just stepped off my alien spacecraft and demanded to meet their leader.
“Uh, ma’am, are you lost?” the gray-bearded bartender asked with an arched eyebrow. His gaze shifted over my shoulder to Kai but didn’t look any less confused.
I gave him a vacant-eyed smile and continued over to the bar where a couple of stools sat vacant. “Nope, I don’t think so,” I replied with a chirpy voice, “do you sell booze?”
The bartender barked a gruff laugh. “Yes, ma’am. What’s your poison?”
“Dirty martini,” I replied, getting comfy on my chair and totally ignoring Kai hovering over my shoulder.
“Cute,” the bartender scoffed, grabbing out a rocks glass and pouring in a heavy slug of cheap vodka. He then plonked in a couple of ice cubes and slid it over to me. “That’s the best you’ll get here.”
I shrugged and took a sip. “Fine by me.” Even if it did taste like sweaty ass.
“What about you?” the bartender asked Kai with a jerk of his head.
“Beer,” my big shadow rumbled back. A moment later, he had a cold bottle in front of him, and I nudged him to pay the bartender—because I hadn’t brought any money with me.
“Siren, are you going to tell me what we’re doing here?” Kai asked in a lowered voice, sliding onto the stool beside me. “You do know this is a Death Squad hangout, don’t you?”
“Of course I do.” I took another mouthful of my vodka. In the corner of my vision, I could see a familiar biker heading over to us. “Hey, Vega, how’s it hanging?”
The leader of the Dogwood Death Squad leaned a hand on the bar beside me and gave a sigh. “Danny. Can I please ask you don’t break anything this time?”
I chuckled, glancing past him to the suspicious, slightly murderous looks I was getting. “I can’t make you promises that I’m unlikely to keep. Don’t worry your pretty face, Vega, I won’t start anything.” I reached up and patted his rough stubbled cheek, and Kai reacted by jerking my stool closer to his.
“Bullshit. Who’s your friend?” Vega asked, giving Kai an amused glance. “Seems like a possessive type.”